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Samuel M. Lam, MD; Ravi Dahiya, MD; Edwin F. Williams III, MD

Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2003;5:334-337.

Arteriovenous malformations represent a unique challenge to the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Unlike other vascular anomalies, such as hemangiomas or capillary vascular malformations (or port-wine stains), true arteriovenous malformations are rare aberrations in vascular morphogenesis. Their rarity and high propensity toward bleeding and recurrence combined with the potential for life-threatening rupture may make the occasional surgeon who dares to resect these lesions rightfully less than intrepid in his endeavor.

From the Section of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery (Drs Lam, Dahiya, and Williams), Albany Medical College, and Stratton Veteran Affairs Medical Center (Dr Lam), Albany, NY; and Williams Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Latham, NY (Dr Williams).